The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual

[Pages:13]The ARRL

Ham Radio License Manual

All you need to become an

Amateur Radio Operator

Second Edition By Ward Silver, N?AX

Contributing Editor Mark Wilson, K1RO ARRL Education Services Manager Debra Johnson, K1DMJ

Production Staff

Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB, Editorial Assistant David Pingree, N1NAS, Senior Technical Illustrator: Jodi Morin, KA1JPA, Assistant Production Supervisor: Layout Sue Fagan, KB1OKW, Graphic Design Supervisor: Cover Design Michelle Bloom, WB1ENT, Production Supervisor: Layout

Front Cover Photo (Bottom Right): S. Khrystyne Keane, K1SFA

ARRL The national association for AMATEUR RADIOTM 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1494

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Copyright ? 2010 by The American Radio Relay League, Inc Copyright secured under the Pan-American Convention All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form except by written permission of the publisher. All rights of translation are reserved. Printed in USA Quedan reservados todos los derechos ISBN10: 0-87259-083-6 ISBN13: 978-0-87259-083-0 Second Edition First Printing

This book may be used for Technician license exams given beginning July 1, 2010.

QST and the ARRL Web site () will have news about any rules changes affecting the Technician class license or any of the material in this book.

We strive to produce books without errors. Sometimes mistakes do occur, however. When we become aware of problems in our books (other than obvious typographical errors), we post corrections on the ARRL Web site. If you think you have found an error, please check ham-radio-license-manual for corrections. If you don't find a correction there, please let us know, either using the Feedback Form at the back of this book or by sending e-mail to pubsfdbk@.

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Chapter 1 Contents

Welcome to Amateur Radio

Foreword When to Expect New Books The Adventure Begins Your Invitation to ARRL Membership How to Use this Book

1 Welcome to Amateur Radio 1.1 What is Amateur Radio? 1.2 The FCC and Licensing 1.3 Amateur Radio Activities 1.4 Getting Your Ham Radio License

2 Radio and Signals Fundamentals 2.1 Radio Signals and Waves 2.2 Modulation 2.3 Radio Equipment Basics

3 Electricity, Components, and Circuits 3.1 Electricity 3.2 Components and Units 3.3 Types of Radios and Radio Circuits

4 Propagation, Antennas, and Feed Lines 4.1 Propagation 4.2 Antenna Fundamentals 4.3 Feed Lines and SWR 4.4 Practical Antenna Systems

5 Amateur Radio Equipment 5.1 Transmitters and Receivers 5.2 Digital Communications 5.3 Power Supplies and Batteries 5.4 RF Interference (RFI) 5.5 RF Grounding

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1-1 1-12 1-14 1-19

2-1 2-6 2-11

3-1 3-6 3-15

4-1 4-5 4-8 4-11

5-1 5-8 5-14 5-18 5-23

6 Communicating With Other Hams 6.1 Contact Basics 6.2 Band Plans 6.3 Making Contacts 6.4 Using Repeaters 6.5 Nets 6.6 Emergency Communications 6.7 Special Activities, Modes and Techniques

7 Licensing Regulations 7.1 Licensing Terms 7.2 Working with the FCC 7.3 Bands and Privileges 7.4 International Rules 7.5 Call Signs

8 Operating Regulations 8.1 Control Operators 8.2 Identification 8.3 Interference 8.4 Third-Party Communications 8.5 Remote and Automatic Operation 8.6 Prohibited Transmissions

9 Safety 9.1 9.2 9.3

Electrical Safety RF Exposure Mechanical Safety

10 Glossary 11 Technician Class Exam Question Pool Syllabus Subelement T1 ? FCC Rules Subelement T2 ? Operating Procedures Subelement T3 ? Radio Waves Subelement T4 ? Amateur Radio Practices Subelement T5 ? Electrical Principles Subelement T6 ? Electrical Components Subelement T7 ? Station Equipment Subelement T8 ? Operating Activities and Modes Subelement T9 ? Antennas & Feed Lines Subelement T0 ? Safety

Supplement -- Choosing a Ham Radio

Amateur Radio Vendor Advertisements

6-1 6-9 6-11 6-15 6-20 6-24 6-29

7-1 7-9 7-10 7-16 7-18

8-1 8-3 8-6 8-8 8-10 8-11

9-1 9-5 9-11

11-1 11-3 11-15 11-21 11-27 11-31 11-39 11-48 11-58 11-66 11-70

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Foreword

Welcome to the diverse group of individuals who make up Amateur Radio! There are nearly 700,000 amateurs, or "hams," in the United States alone and 3,000,000 around the world. Hams come from all walks of life, all ages and every continent. Hams are busily communicating without regard to the geographic and political barriers that often separate humanity. This is the power of Amateur Radio -- to communicate with each other directly, without any other commercial or government systems.

Amateur Radio was born along with radio itself. Marconi, the father of radio, considered himself "an amateur" and many of the wireless technologies and systems we take for granted today had their origins in the workshops and imaginations of amateurs. Governments make room for Amateur Radio when valuable radio spectrum is allocated because they know and respect the flexibility and inventiveness of hams, as well as the amateur's legendary ability to innovate and adapt in the face of emergencies and disasters.

Hams came to Amateur Radio from many walks of life and many interests. Perhaps you intend to provide emergency communications for yourself and your community. Technical experimentation might be your interest or you might be one of the burgeoning "do-it-yourself" community, discovering the pleasures of building, testing, using and learning. Making new friends via the radio, keeping in touch as you travel or exploring where a wireless signal can take you -- these are all valuable and valued parts of the Amateur service.

A time-honored ham tradition is that of helping newcomers learn about the ways and skills of Amateur Radio. These helpers -- known as "Elmers" by other hams -- are everywhere. You are almost certainly near another ham and probably an entire ham radio club! They'll gladly help you get started. There's more information in Chapter 1 about connecting with them. If you need assistance, the staff here at ARRL Headquarters will be more than happy to help, too.

As you read this book, getting ready to pass your first ham radio licensing exam, you will find that there is a lot more material than just the answers to exam questions. That's the ARRL way of going the extra mile to help you learn about Amateur Radio. "Of, By and For the Amateur" is the ARRL's motto. By providing this extra information, we help you learn the "why" behind each question so that you are prepared when ready to get on the air. Keep this book handy as a reference to help you understand how ham radio "works" and you'll have more fun and be a more effective operator.

Most active radio amateurs in the United States are ARRL members. They realize that since 1914, the ARRL's training, sponsorship of activities and representation both nationally and internationally are second to none. The book you're reading now, The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual is just one of many publications for all levels and interests in Amateur Radio. You don't need a license to join the ARRL -- just be interested in Amateur Radio and we are interested in you. It's as simple as that!

David Sumner, K1ZZ Chief Executive Officer Newington, Connecticut March 2010

New Ham Desk ARRL Headquarters 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111-1494 (860) 594-0200

Prospective new amateurs call: 800-32-NEW-HAM (800-326-3942) You can also contact us via e-mail: newham@ or check out ARRLWeb:

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The Adventure Begins!

Congratulations! You've taken your first step into a hobby--and a service--that knows no limits. Amateur Radio is a worldwide network of people from various cultures, united by a common love of wireless comm unication. Amateur Radio is as old as radio itself, and its future is no less fantastic than its past.

For most people, Amateur Radio is a lifelong pursuit. We want to make sure you get a good start, which is why we've published this book. But first, who are "we" ?

ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio: What's in it for You?

Help for New Hams: Are you a beginning ham looking for help in getting started? The hams at ARRL HQ in Newington, Connecticut, will be glad to assist you. Call 800-32-NEWHAM. ARRL maintains a computer data base of ham clubs and ham radio "helpers" from across the country who've told us they're interested in helping beginning hams. There are probably several clubs in your area! Contact us for more information.

Licensing Classes: If you're going to become a ham, you'll need to find a local license exam opportunity sooner or later. ARRL Registered Instructors teach licensing classes all around the country, and ARRL-sponsored Volunteer Examiners are right there to administer your exams. To find the locations and dates of Amateur Radio Licensing classes and test sessions in your area, call the New Ham Desk at 800-32-NEWHAM.

Clubs: As a beginning ham, one of the best moves you can make is to join a local ham club. Whether you join an allaround group or a special-interest club (repeaters, DXing, and so on), you'll make new friends, have a lot of fun, and you can tap into a ready reserve of ham radio knowledge and experience. To find the ham clubs in your area, call HQ's New Ham Desk at 800-32-NEWHAM.

Technical Information Service: Do you have a question of a technical nature? (What new ham doesn't?) Contact the Technical Information Service (TIS) at HQ. Our resident technical experts will help you over the phone, send you specific information on your question (antennas, interference and so on) or refer you to your local ARRL Technical Coordinator or Technical Specialist. It's expert information--and it doesn't cost Members an extra cent!

Regulatory Information: Need help with a thorny antenna zoning problem? Having trouble understanding an FCC regulation? Vacationing in a faraway place and want to know how to get permission to operate your ham radio there? HQ's Regulatory Information Branch has the answers you need!

Operating Awards: Like to collect "wallpaper"? The ARRL sponsors a wide variety of certificates and Amateur Radio achievement awards. For information on awards you can qualify for, contact the Membership Services Department at HQ.

Equipment Insurance: Insurance is available to protect you from loss or damage to your amateur station, antennas and mobile equipment by lightening, theft, accident, fire, flood, tornado and other natural disasters.

Amateur Radio Emergency Service: If you're interested in providing public service and emergency communications for your community, you can join more than 25,000 other hams who have registered their communications capabilities with local Emergency Coordinators. Your EC will call on you and other ARES members for vital assistance if disaster should strike your community. Contact the Field Services Department at HQ for information.

With your membership you also receive the monthly journal QST, the source for ham radio information, clever technical tips, equipment reviews, projects, Public Service, Happenings and more.

The ARRL also publishes newsletters and dozens of books covering all aspects of Amateur Radio. Our Headquarters station, W1AW, transmits bulletins of interest to radio amateurs and Morse Code practice sessions.

When it comes to representing Amateur Radio's best interests in our nation's capital, ARRL's team in Washington, DC, is constantly working with the FCC, Congress and industry to protect and foster your privileges as a ham operator.

Regardless of your Amateur Radio interests, ARRL Membership is relevant and important. We will be happy to welcome you as a Member. Use the Invitation to Membership in this book to join today. And don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

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When to Expect New Books

A Question Pool Committee (QPC) consisting of representatives from the various Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) prepares the license question pools. The QPC establishes a schedule for revising and implementing new Question Pools. The current Question Pool revision schedule is as follows:

Question Pool Technician (Element 2)

General (Element 3)

Amateur Extra (Element 4)

Current Study Guides The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 2nd edition ARRL's Tech Q&A, 5th Edition

The ARRL General Class License Manual, 6th edition ARRL's General Q&A, 3rd Edition

The ARRL Extra Class License Manual, 9th edition ARRL's Extra Q&A, 2nd Edition

Valid Through June 30, 2014

June 30, 2011

June 30, 2012

As new question pools are released, ARRL will produce new study materials before the effective date of the new Pools. Until then, the current Question Pools will remain in use, and current ARRL study materials, including this book, will help you prepare for your exam.

As the new Question Pool schedules are confirmed, the information will be published in QST and on the ARRL Web site at .

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How to Use this Book

The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual is designed to help you learn about every topic in the Technician exam question pool. Every page presents information you'll need to pass the exam and become an effective operator. This book goes well beyond the answers to exam questions -- it also contains explanations, guidelines and information to help you remember and use what you learn on the air.

The book is organized to help you learn about radio and operating in easy-to-understand, bite-sized steps. You'll begin by learning about the basics of radio signals and simple ham radio equipment. The next steps cover the principles of electricity and an introduction to electrical components. You'll then learn how a simple station is assembled and some basic operating procedures. At that point, you'll be ready to understand the rules and regulations of ham radio. The final section is all about ham radio safety.

At the back of this book you'll also find a large glossary of ham radio words, a supplement to help you choose a radio and a selection of advertisements from some vendors of ham radio equipment and supplies.

Conventions

Throughout your studies keep a sharp eye out for words in italics. These words are important so be sure you understand them. Many of them are included in the glossary. Another thing to look for is the Web mouse symbol, indicating that there is supplemental information on the Ham Radio License Manual Web site (ham-radio-license-manual) to accelerate and broaden your understanding. If a Web or email address is included, it will be printed in boldface type.

As you read the book, you will see question designators in square brackets, such as [T1A01]. These are references to the question ID in the exam's question pool. This will help you find the material that addresses a specific question. The question pool also includes a page reference where each topic is discussed.

The Exam Question Pool

The complete Technician exam question pool is included at the back of this book. The 35 questions you'll answer on the exam will be drawn from this question pool. Yes, these are the actual questions on the exam, but resist the temptation to just memorize the answers! Memorizing without learning the subject is likely to leave you "high and dry" when you begin using your new operating privileges. Do yourself a favor and take the time to understand the material.

A Study Guide version of the question pool has been

prepared by the ARRL in which each question is presented in the order it is covered in this book. The Study Guide version can be downloaded from the Ham Radio License Manual Web site.

When using the question pool for exam practice, each question also includes a cross-reference back to the page of the book covering that topic. If you don't completely understand the question or answer, please go back and review that material.

Self-Study and Classroom Tips

For self-study students, the material in the book is designed to be studied in order from beginning to end. Read the material and then test your understanding by answering the questions at the end of each section. Use the supplemental material on the Ham Radio License Manual Web site if you need extra help.

The ARRL's New Ham Desk can answer questions emailed to newham@. Your question may be answered directly or you might be directed to more instruction material. The New Ham Desk can also help you find a local ham to answer questions. Studying with a friend makes learning the material more fun as you help each other over the rough spots and you'll have someone to celebrate with after passing the exam!

If you are taking a licensing class, the instructors will guide you through the material. Help your instructors by letting them know where you need more assistance. They want you to learn as thoroughly and quickly as possible, so don't hold back your questions. Similarly, if you find their explanations particularly clear or helpful, tell them that, so it can be used in the next class!

At the end of each section is a short list of exam questions covered in that section. This is a good time to pause for a short review session. Be sure you understand the material by answering the questions before moving to the next section. It is a lot easier to learn the material section-by-section than by rushing ahead and you'll remember it more clearly. For a focused discussion on each exam question, pick up a copy of the ARRL's Tech Q&A. Every question is included with the correct answer and a short explanation.

To make the best use of the on-line reference material:

Bookmark the Ham Radio License Manual Web site to use as an on-line reference while you study.

Download the Study Guide version of the question pool from the Web site. The Ham Radio License Manual Web page lists other

resources organized by section and chapter to follow the book. Browse these links for extra information about the topics in this book.

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